The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), is recruiting a Biological Technician for Pahranagat and Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs).  The selected candidate will work independently and with others to accomplish refuge work plans to manage native habitats and wildlife to achieve the purpose of the refuge, and to provide critical wetland habitat for migratory birds, with special emphasis on waterfowl.

Specific tasks may include (but are not limited to):

• Conduct and maintain bird banding sites, including swim-in traps, funnel traps, rocket net traps. Can participate in night banding operations involving airboats and/or early morning banding operations.
• Continue implementation of the invasive plant removal program at Pahranagat NWR using appropriate manual, mechanical, or chemical techniques.
• Collect and install native plantings.
• Act as a crew leader to coordinate restoration projects with volunteer groups and conservation organizations.
• Maintain existing restoration projects through survivorship surveys, watering, and caretaking of native plantings.
• Aid in the installation/construction of signs and barriers where necessary, to prevent the degradation of sensitive habitat.
• Complete necessary reporting of activities to recipient, Southern Nevada Restoration Team, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for databases or data calls, as needed.
• Assist with increasing public awareness regarding habitat restoration activities, and the purpose for each national wildlife refuge.
• Conduct ongoing monitoring of the effectiveness of restoration techniques, signs, and barriers.
• Assist and coordinate with other federal and state agencies to improve habitat.

Timeline:

• 12-month appointment beginning October/November 2023, or pending availability and completion of DOI Background Investigation, with the possibility of extension up to 24 months upon satisfactory performance.
• Full time (40 hours/week)

Location:

Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge is a protected wildlife refuge, at the southern end of the Pahranagat Valley. It is 90 miles north of Las Vegas, Nevada, in Lincoln County near the town of Alamo. Alamo has one gas station with a Great Basin Foods grocery department, other necessities (first aid, toiletries, etc.) a small burger grill, and a Chester’s Chicken. The next town 7 miles north of Alamo, Ash Springs, also has a small grill where fast food can be purchased. Alamo does have a pharmacy and a medical clinic. There are no restaurants or other stores. Independent travel to Las Vegas or Mesquite is usually required to purchase groceries or other needed items. Items purchased online can be delivered to the refuge’s shipping address. 

Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge is a refuge for many species of wildlife and plants, as it serves as a water source for birds migrating South in the fall and North in the spring. In addition to the scenic desert beauty at the Refuge, there are several other recreation and natural setting opportunities to explore close by. Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Valley of Fire State Park, Cathedral Gorge State Park, Death Valley National Park, and more are within a few hours driving distance and afford a variety of outdoor activities ranging from hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing to fishing, boating and skiing/snowboarding.

The selected candidate will also be asked to occasionally work at Moapa National Wildlife Refuge, which was established in 1979 to protect the headwaters of the Muddy River system, which provides habitat for endangered Moapa dace, a small endemic fish. The 116-acre refuge is located in northeastern Clark County (approx. 60 miles north of Las Vegas).

Compensation and Benefits: 

• Housing is available onsite at Pahranagat NWR in a bunkhouse with individual bedrooms and shared bathrooms (approx. $150/month).
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available at no cost
• Paid leave and holidays

Qualifications:

Technical requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology (botany or conservation), wildlife ecology or management, or related field. 
• Familiarity and experience with restoration approaches and techniques
• Plant identification skills and previous experience in invasive plant management and/or restoration ecology desirable
• Familiarity with and interest in the ecology of aquatic desert habitat and associated resource management issues;
• Experience in collecting data accurately and completely and entering data correctly into a computer system;
• Ability to use GPS units to record and locate points and to record field data; and
• Familiarity with use of ArcGIS to create, import, and export maps and data.

Additional requirements:

• Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record;
• Ability to safely drive a 4WD vehicle on unimproved roads;
• Ability to self-direct and self-motivate
• Ability to work productively, consistently and cooperatively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals; 
• Possess strong organizational skills;
• Ability to communicate clearly and efficiently with the public, coworkers, and Technical Advisors both orally and in writing, and respond in a professional manner to inquiries from the public regarding work activities;
• Ability to safely conduct strenuous fieldwork requiring regular physical exertion including hiking on uneven terrain;
• Ability to lift and carry heavy items, such as equipment packs weighing up to 50 pounds, on a regular basis;
• Familiarity with backcountry, low-impact principles preferred